Navratri Vratनवरात्रि व्रत
Devoted to Goddess Durga (nine forms) · 4 times yearly (Chaitra spring + Sharad autumn most observed)
Significance
Nine nights of worshipping Devi in nine forms (Shailaputri to Siddhidatri). Removes shadripus (six enemies — kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, matsarya). Sharad Navratri (Sep-Oct) is most spiritually potent.
Who Observes
Universal Hindu observance. Especially devout: Shakta tradition, business families seeking Lakshmi, students seeking Saraswati.
Fasting Rules (Upvas Niyam)
- •Full 9 days fasting — phalahar (fruits, milk, sabudana, kuttu)
- •No grains (rice, wheat, dal), no salt except sendha namak
- •No onion, garlic, non-veg through 9 days
- •Single meal daily for moderate observers
- •Some observe only fruits + water; some nirjala on key days
- •Break fast after Navami puja completes
Rituals (Puja Vidhi)
- Ghatasthapana (kalash installation) day 1 morning
- Daily Durga Saptashati paath
- Light akhand jyoti (continuous lamp) for 9 days
- Each day worship one of nine Devi forms with specific color/flower
- Kanya puja on Ashtami or Navami — feed 9 young girls + 1 boy
- Final night havan + visarjan of kalash on Vijayadashami
Prasad
Kanya puja food (puri, chana, halwa), fruits, panchamrit
Benefits (Phal)
Removal of obstacles, victory over enemies (inner + outer), increased shakti, business prosperity, child welfare, removal of black magic effects. Devi appears in dreams to sincere devotees on Ashtami night.
Primary Mantra
Vrat Katha (Story Origin)
Mahishasura, buffalo demon, defeated devas. They prayed; from their combined energy emerged Devi Durga. She battled Mahishasura for 9 nights, slaying him on 10th day (Vijayadashami). Each Navratri commemorates this cosmic victory.
Book a pandit for Navratri Vrat udyapan or katha
Concluding ceremony, havan, or full katha recitation at your home or remotely with video proof.